The Original Jersey Boys
I have a new article at Smithsonian.com about Aaron Burr and his posse of North Jersey pals from Elizabeth, “The Original Jersey Boys.” The four boyhood friends achieved much — heroes of the Revolution, three became senators, one was Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Burr was vice president.
Early Elizabethtown, NJ (now Elizabeth)
But they also failed greatly. Two were indicted for treason, a third ended up in debtor’s prison in his old age while losing the landmark Commerce Clause decision in the Supreme Court, Gibbons v. Ogden. Check it out!
Senator, Speaker of the House, and indicted for treason: Jonathan Dayton
Where may I get a copy of your Jersey Boys article? Thank you.
Still on the web at SMithsonian.com
— https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/burr-ogden-and-dayton-the-original-jersey-boys-51406588/.
I’m a fellow former lawyer doing some historical research on Aaron Burr. Do you remember what sources you used about his youth with the Ogdens and Dayton. I’m looking for some details and see nothing in Schachner, Isenberg, and London. Your article is the closest I’ve seen but due to the nature of the article you didn’t cite sources.
That was supposed to be Lomask
Bob, Thanks for your question, and I wish you luck with your efforts. I wrote that article for Smithsonian article fifteen years ago and cannot provide a quick answer beyond the recommendation that you look at my book on Burr, “American Emperor,” which has a full crop of endnotes. I can’t swear that I delved as deeply into the Dayton/Ogden connections in the book. I also have looked for my first take on the article, which likely had endnotes, but I have not retained it.
Thanks